As last summer began, I jotted down a bucket list for June, July & August. I managed to cross off 4 out of 11. In teacher speak that's not even close to a passing grade. I think I got a little overzealous last year so I never actually committed to completing a list this summer and yet I still remembered the "biggies" that didn't happen in 2012. In the back of my mind, I still wanted to accomplish at least one or two. Well, as it turns out, I did do #4, 9 and 10--and all 3 were a disappointment but I did bring my grade up to a C-. See below for the details.
Dana’s Summer Bucket List 2012
2.
3. Make a rope swing with my kids.
4. Early morning run on the Northshore Trail.
5. Go to a Drive-In movie theater.
6.
7. Sleep under the stars.
8. Fish in the lake and eat my catch for dinner.
9. Make a batch of homemade ice cream.
10. Visit a local farm for fresh produce.
11.
S #4: Since day breaks around here starting at 4:45 a.m. in June, getting out of bed early isn't usually a problem. The Northshore Trail is at the end the lake and is 3 miles out and 3 miles back. I propositioned one of my die hard/hard core running buddies to join me at 6:30 a.m. Unfortunately, it happened to also be a morning that was overcast and humid. Unbeknownst to both of us, just because the trail runs along the lake, doesn't necessarily mean a breeze is guaranteed. There was none to speak of for the entire 6 miles. It was brutal, we were dehydrated and exhausted by mile 3 and definitely did not feel refreshed as we returned to my car.
$ #9: This one was a comedy of errors. While on the previously mentioned trail, Sue asked what else was on my bucket list that hadn't been completed last year. The drive-in theater and making a batch of homemade ice cream were the only 2 I could remember. She told me about the "roll and freeze." that she owned by had never used. This contraption looks like a hamster wheel with a metal insert. I had completely forgotten about it when she stopped by a couple nights ago and dropped it off. Ben and I had the best time rolling and tossing the ball full of ice and rock salt while it worked its magic. After the first 10 minutes, you open it up, scrape the sides of the metal portion with the half and half, sugar and vanilla in it and drain the melted ice and add some more. Ian and his friend walked in while we were prepping for round 2 and decided they wanted to make the finishing touch. 10 minutes later, we opened the ball, scooped out a taste and spit it out. It tasted like a salt lick for a horse with a touch of vanilla. YUCK!
# #10: For all the years we've lived in Bellingham, I've heard so many people brag on Joe's Gardens. I've driven by the place a few times but its not anywhere near my normal route. One day I was over on that side of town after a hike and decided to stop. 5 minutes later I was back in my car empty handed. Yes, it was pretty and everything was fresh and/or organic but the prices were easily double that of a produce stand just down the road that was surely supplied by a farm also. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. It's "local" enough for me.
As summer comes to a close, I might be able to pull off one more but most likely they will make their way to 2014's list. Even if the outcomes weren't perfect, it was still fun trying.
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